Vendor FAQ

Welcome to the pre-planning for the Def Con 19 Vendor Area. Please read this document carefully before requesting space in the Def Con 19 Vendor Area.

Updated: 15 April 2011

1) How are tables reserved for Def Con?

All prospective vendors need to send the following information to chris [at] defcon dot org to request vendor space:

a] Number of tables requested (includes 1 badge per table).
b] Number of additional Vendor badges requested.
b] Type of merchandise to be sold.
c] Reason(s) that this merchandise is appropriate for and adds value to the Def Con vendor area.
d] If you have been a vendor in the past, when***
e] Contact email address.
f] Web page URL showing merchandise (if available)
g] Type/size of display you plan to bring
h] How many wall hangings or banners (if any) do you plan to have?
NOTE: This may effect the cost of your vendor space.
i] A logo (see question 5 for specs) that you wish to be printed in the DEF CON program
j] A small blurb describing your product for the program

***If you were a t-shirt vendor last year and want to return, you must at least 4 (Four) new shirt designs? These should be designs that you didn't sell last year.

2) Are tables allocated on a first come/first served basis?

No. This has been the policy in some years past, however this year, each application for space in the Def Con 19 Vendor Area will be evaluated by the Vendor Area Staff and a determination about the appropriateness and value of the vendor will be determined. Vendors will be notified regarding the decision on their application (accepted or declined).

Defcon reserves the right to refuse a table to any prospective vendor for any reason and without explanation.

3) How much are tables?

Tables are available for $400.00 each.

Payment for tables will be due in full 4 weeks prior to the show. Payment details will be sent once your application has been approved. If booth is not paid in full prior to the show, your space may be given to another interested party.

4) Can I use the Def Con Logo in my designs?

The text "DEF CON" and all iterations and versions may be used on clothing items and stickers only. The text must appear in conjunction with "19" or "2011" or "nineteen", etc to designate that the item is specific to this year's conference. Items with any iteration of DEF CON 19 may not be advertised or sold publicly after August 15.

All other items such as barware (glass, plastic, metal or otherwise), toys, electronic items, etc may not contain any version of the text DEF CON without prior permission. Items containing only the text DEF CON in any iteration may not be sold. Not sure if any of this stuff applies to your stuff? Just ask.

Under no circumstances may the DEF CON logo of any version (past or present) appear on any merchandise that will be sold by persons other than Jinx Hackwear (the official on-site DEF CON clothing vendor) and the official DEF CON swag booth.

The idea is for the vendors to create specific DEF CON 19 merchandise, not generic DEF CON stuff.

Any vendor who is found in violation of this regulation will have any offending items confiscated and will be removed from the vendor floor.

Email the blackbeetle at blackbeetle [at] defcon dot org with any questions.

5) How and when do I need to submit my logo for inclusion in the Def Con 19 Program?

6) What time is set up for vendors?

Vendor set up will begin on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 9:00 AM. All vendors must be set up by 6:00 PM that day. The Vendor area will be open for those nine hours specifically for set up. If you do not think you can set your area up in that time, you should plan on bringing more helpers. At 6:00 PM on August 4 29, 2011, the Vendor Area will be secured and anyone that is not DEF CON staff will have to leave the area. This allows vendors that have completed set up to leave and get some rest before the show starts the next day...they need it, and so do we!

7) What hours will the Vendor Area be open?

The Vendor Area will open to the public at 10:00 AM each day (Friday - Sunday). Vendors may arrive one hour earlier (9:00 AM) to begin preparations for the day. Only authorized vendors (with Vendor Badges) will be allowed in the Vendor Area for this additional hour. There are no exceptions. The Vendor Area will close at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. The Vendor Area will close at the start of closing ceremonies on Sunday.

At the appointed close time, an announcement will be made that the Vendor Area is closed. Transactions that are in progress, or persons in line to pay for items may complete their transaction. No additional persons will be allowed into the Vendor Area after the appointed close time. Vendors have one additional hour (until 8:00 PM) to wrap things up and vacate the Vendor Area on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday Vendors will have additional time to pack up any remaining merchandise.

8) If I am not at my booth when the Vendor Area opens, who will watch it?

No one. You are responsible for any merchandise in your area while the Vendor Area is open.

DEFCON is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.

9) Is there security when the Vendor Area is closed?

Yes, a security guard will be guarding the room when the Vendor Area is closed.

10) Will there be Vendor Badges again?

Yes, with each table you will receive one DEF CON Vendor badge. You can purchase additional DefCon Vendor badges for your helpers for $150.00. In order to ensure that you receive the correct number of vendor badges you need to specify the number of additional badges you require on your application.
If you also wish to have a Human badge, you must purchase those for $150.00 each.

11) Is there a discount for multiple tables?

No.

12) Who do I pay?

Payment for tables will be due in full 4 weeks prior to the show. Payment details will be sent once your application has been approved. If booth is not paid in full prior to the show, your space may be given to another interested party.

If you need additional vendor badges that you have not paid for once you arrive, you can pay on site and receive your Vendor Badges. If you don't specify the number of badges you need you can't be guaranteed a Vendor badge although you will be issued a Human badge. This will just mean that you need to coordinate with the Vendor Staff to enter and exit the room during morning setup and evening tear down.

13) Who is the Vendor Staff?

Chris (roamer) will be coordinating everything leading up to DEF CON. Once on site, Danny (Wad) will be running the Vendor Area. AlxRogan, Evil, Latenite and Redbeard are back again this year as well.

14) If I can't make it, can I get a refund?

Yes, if you have paid for a table and find that you are unable to attend DEF CON, contact Chris to arrange to get a refund. You must contact us at least fourteen days prior to the start of DefCon to cancel your table for a full refund.

15) How many hours of selling time will I have?

16) Can I advertise my booth at DEF CON?

Once your table has been reserved, you are welcome to advertise that you'll be at DEF CON. The only stipulation is that you provide links to the DEF CON web page (www.defcon.org).

Once you have paid your vendor fee and submit your logo, we will place your logo and listing in the DEF CON 19 Program

17) Last year I saw some HUGE displays. Can I do that?

Maybe. One of the required pieces of information in your application for a vendor table is the type and size of your display. We will work with the hotel to make a determination on which displays are acceptable and which are not and get back to you. The ceilings in our room are 30 feet tall so as long as your display is no longer than 8 feet and no taller than the ceiling you should be ok. It would probably be smart to make sure that you have some clearance though…just in case.

18) Can I choose my table from the diagram like in the past?

Tables will be assigned by the DEF CON Vendor Staff. Certain tables have to be placed in specific areas due to agreements between vendors as well as to accommodate book signings, and other DEF CON related activities. We will certainly try to work with all vendors to ensure that everyone is pleased with their location.

NOTE: THE DEF CON VENDOR STAFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR TABLE ASSIGNMENT AT ANY TIME. IF WE DETERMINE THAT A CHANGE IS NECESSARY, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED. IF THE CHANGE IS UNACCEPTABLE TO YOU, YOU WILL BE PERMITTED TO CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION.